Arts, sciences co-exist and celebrated at Ignite Peoria

Kids and kids-at-heart flocked to the Peoria Civic Center on Saturday for the fourth-annual Ignite Peoria celebration.

The focus this year was on 'STEAM,' rather than 'STEM,' bringing a spotlight to the arts that can help kids get involved with science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Event organizers say it's art that gives a reason to further study and explore the sciences, and that serve as a way for kids to discover future passions.

"As we know now, it's just an incredible way of getting students to really get excited about learning in an integrated fashion," said Jenn Gordon, Executive Director of Arts Partners of Central Illinois.

This year, Ignite Peoria featured a bull-whip show, robotics dueling, drawing, photography, engraving and even a full-on Hack-A-Thon.